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November is National Adoption Month

Submitted by Manger on Mon, 11/10/2008 - 20:24
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November is National Adoption Awareness Month. You might wonder what that tidbit of information might have to do with a blog on disabilities and the church. There are a number of convergences when one closely examines the intersection of adoption and disabilities. So, let’s look at a few of these convergences and then look at a few ways local Christians and the local church can intercede on behalf of orphans.

Before we get into points of convergence as well as opportunities for ministry, let’s look at some general information regarding the current need for adoption in the world today. Currently, 140 million children are classified as “orphans” worldwide. This number includes children around the world who have lost one parent as well as children who have lost both parents. Term given to children worldwide who have lost both parents is “double orphan.” There are 16 million “double orphans” worldwide. Adoption of children through the international community is regulated through various departments of State as well as various international treaties. Certain agencies are licensed by countries to broker adoptions between two countries. At any given time some countries are not allowed to broker adoptions with other countries due to compliance issues and such.

Within the United States of America there are approximately 150,000 children available for adoption through local social service/adoption agencies. In addition to the above number there are an unknown number of potential newborn adoptions (think Juno). These are typically facilitated through public adoption agencies, private charities, or private parties. The majority of those presently waiting within the US are waiting in the public foster care system along with 350,000-550,000 foster children who are not available for adoption, for one reason or another.
So you have the numbers (I’ll write later this month on outcomes for foster children who are not adopted out of the system) and now let’s look at points of convergence of disability ministry and adoption.
First, Children with Disabilities are less likely to be adopted than their non-disabled peers. Why is this true? Well, first of all parents typically want an “easy” adoption and look for an “easy” child, with the assumption that a child with or without disabilities can have an “easy” time transitioning into a new world and family. According to one doctor at an orphanage in Serbia “The state does nothing. Parents get no support. And there is no interest in adopting children even with the mildest of disabilities.” Domestically, parents rarely choose to open their home to a child labeled with a disability or medical need. This results in orphans being housed in institutions and hospitals with no possibility of adoption due to their needs.
Second, Adoption and Disability Ministry speak to the same need to honor the image of God in humanity. Currently, 85-90% of all babies diagnosed en utero with Downs syndrome suffer the cruelty of abortion. Why? Parents have been convinced of two things: 1) Children with disabilities have lives that are to worth living & 2) There would be nobody to adopt such a child even if the child was brought to term. With the growth of prenatal testing, this continues to be a real concern in both the adoption and disability community. A common rebuff to the anti-abortion debate is the question of who is going to adopt the “unwanted” children. Disability Ministry and Adoption both offer a powerful twofold answer: There are no unwanted children (e.g. there is room for everyone here) and someone is ready to open their arms to a forever child.
So, what can a local community or local Christians due to address adoption (particular special needs adoption)?
  1. Start a disability AND adoption ministry in your local church. Whether you are simply supporting adoptive families (or families experiencing disability) you might be surprised at how this simple step can lead to wonderful places.
  2. Participate in short-term sponsorships. Local adoption agencies often bring groups of orphans to the United States with the purpose adoption. These young children often need temporary housing (2-3 weeks) within local homes.
  3. Support adoption ministries locally and nationally.
  4. Engage in foster care ministries such as Royal Family Kids Camp or similar outreach such as mentoring via Big Brothers and Sisters.
  5. Open your church doors to individuals with disabilities in order to combat the myth that a pre-born child with a disability won’t have a quality life. Supporting businesses and charities that do the same is also a great option.
  6. Get involved personally. Adopt or foster a child in need. Support a parent in danger of losing their child to the social service system or a young teenage mother looking for an option.
However you choose to engage you must engage. The adoption speaks to God’s love of humanity. Disability Ministry echoes those sentiments. I can tell you that my own experience of taking in a child labeled as “special needs” has been the greatest thing my wife and I have ever done. God has used it in a mighty way and has continued to bless us through the journey. They are two sides of the same coin. For more information check out www.movetothemanger.com or www.mangerconsulting.com. For information on my personal adoption journey check out www.galatians45.blogspot.com or www.manger-hoggblog.blogspot.com

 

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Submitted by LindaLeighHargrove on Thu, 11/13/2008 - 09:45.

Thanks. This is a great post. I linked to it on twitter (http://twitter.com/llhargrove)

I'm doing a special adoption focus this month on my blog (17Seeds). Can I feature your story? Thanks.

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